AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Former U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu has pulled out of the Auckland tennis classic, citing a lingering back injury that has not shown the expected improvement. The 22-year-old British player, seeded sixth for the tournament, was scheduled to open her season against Robin Montgomery of the United States on Tuesday.
“I’ve done everything I could to be prepared. I have a great affection for Auckland and its fans. Unfortunately, a back issue has arisen, and I won’t be able to compete,” Raducanu announced.
Belgian player Elise Mertens, the second seed, also withdrew from the tournament on Tuesday. The Auckland event serves as a warm-up for the Australian Open, set to begin in Melbourne on January 12.
“I regret that I won’t be able to compete in singles due to an injury,” Mertens stated. “I extend my best wishes to the tournament and hope to return next year.”
During a press conference prior to the tournament on Monday, Raducanu expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season. She concluded her 2024 campaign on a high note, securing victories in all three of her singles matches for Britain in the Billy Jean King Cup.
“It’s a positive starting point after undergoing three surgeries the previous year,” Raducanu remarked. “This year, I feel ready to advance and progress. I have taken significant steps with my team to achieve this, and I am eager for the challenges ahead.”
Injuries have frequently disrupted Raducanu’s career, leading her to enlist fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura to bolster her team. Nakamura accompanied her to Auckland.
The reigning U.S. Open champion resumed competitive play last year after surgeries on both wrists and an ankle. An injury to her foot sidelined her for a number of weeks towards the end of the season.
Throughout her injury setbacks, Raducanu fell out of the top 300 ranking but managed to climb back to 56th by the end of 2024. The Auckland tournament would have marked the first instance in nearly two years where she was seeded in an event.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been seeded,” Raducanu reflected. “Nonetheless, I don’t think it changes much. The depth of talent in women’s tennis right now is so strong that any player is capable of winning any competition.”
